I remember reading an article last year about a Great Dane pup who managed to consume 43.5 socks. Yes, you read that correctly—43.5 socks. While this clearly made the news in Oregon, and likely made the weird news section of other papers, it’s really not something that’s uncommon for pets to do. Afterall, most pets aren’t picky eaters.

Toys (or, the stuffing from them as they destroy them), floss or thread, baby bottle nipples, clothing (socks, underwear, shoes), fish hooks, rubber bands, rocks, plastic, jewelry, fake flowers, pieces of rawhide bones (or other common chew toys) and so much more are all items that pets have eaten--and Fur Kids Foundation often sees them in cases. Often dubbed foreign body obstructions by vets, these items can create blockages that may require your beloved pet to have surgery—or worse, it could kill them.

According to the Pet Health Network: When something is ingested by your cat or dog, it usually takes between 10-24 hours to move through the entire digestive tract. Some objects, however, can take much longer--even months! Sometimes, objects are too big to progress through the digestive tract, and when this is the case, they cause an obstruction. If the foreign body has made it to the colon, it’s likely to pass – however, there’s still the possibility that it will be painful, especially if it is sharp (like a stick). In cases like this, you might need veterinary assistance. It is important to follow this rule: never pull a foreign object that is protruding from your pet’s rectum! If still lodged inside, this can cause damage to the internal tissues.

Watch for these common symptoms to determine whether you need to seek veterinary attention:· Abdominal tenderness or pain· Behavioral changes such as biting, growling or hissing when picked up· Diarrhea or even straining to defecate; constipation· Lack of appetite; anorexia· Lack of energy· Vomiting

Please know that timing is very important in situations like these as an intestinal or stomach blockage often cuts off the blood supply to necessary tissues. If your pet doesn’t receive appropriate treatment, those tissues can die, and severe damage or even death may result.

To learn more about foreign body obstructions, or what to do to prevent your pet from consuming too much life, check out the blogs below.

This is Ninja, a 2-year-old handsome kitty who wasn't feeling too stealthy recently.

After returning from a “combat mission,” Ninja was limping and nursing his foot. When his owners looked him over, they found his foot was swollen, but they couldn't tell why. He didn't want to walk, he wouldn't eat, and he would barely drink – all signs that your cat is in pain.

Ninja's mom is on temporary disability and his dad is the only one working. They reached out to Fur Kids Foundation for help, and we were able to ease the sting of the vet bills.

Ninja was taken to the vet where the doctor found a thorn lodged into his foot – clearly a Ninja can't be covert with a thorn in his paw! The vet removed it immediately and prescribed some antibiotics.

Thankfully, the swelling in Ninja's foot is gone and he's feeling much better. We're certain he's back to his spy missions to keep his family safe.

If you would like to help Fur Kids Foundation continue to help families with animals, please consider making a tax-deductible donation. The money stays in Campbell County, Wyoming and helps families during a time when they may not be able to afford adequate veterinary care. Check out more Success Stories.

Did you know that June is National Adopt a Shelter Cat Month? For the past two years, Fur Kids Foundation board members have gone out to the City of Gillette / Campbell County Animal Shelter, 950 W. Warlow Drive, and sponsored two cats who are looking for their purr-fect home—a tradition we continued this year. We’ve helped:·2014: Bright Eyes and Garfield·2013: Ozzy and Wilson Below are pictures of two fabulous felines who have seen their fair share of time in the shelter, and we want to change that. If you adopt one of these angels, Fur Kids has already paid half of their adoption fee!

ben

Benny bug, or just Ben, is a neutered (male) 1-year-old DSH Tabby / Bengal mix who has been declawed. While we were there, he was calm and sleepy, but we’ve heard that this intelligent kitty does love to play. And just look at him, with his stripes and spots and light hazel eyes; isn’t he beautiful!

Have you ever taught a cat to play fetch? If so, come check out Ben, as he may be an excellence candidate.

Cappuccino

Like the drink, this Cappuccino can give you a jolt of happy energy when needed. This 2-year-old neutered (male) Siamese cat was so active while we were visiting him, we had a hard time taking pictures! If you’ve ever owned a Siamese, you know that they will tell you exactly what they think, in a loud, raspy voice, and they expect you to pay attention and act on their advice. But, isn’t that most cats? We can see that this Siamese is intelligent and loves to play. If you look forward to having a playful pet, check out Cappuccino!

We hope you’ll consider giving Ben or Cappuccino (or both!) a cozy place to call their own soon, or at least share this message and help us find them a great home. (There are other cats and dogs available at the Shelter as well; the shelter is open from 1-6 pm Monday-Friday, and Saturday from 11 am-3 pm.) And, if you can't adopt a cat, read this blog for other ideas on how to support Adopt a Shelter Cat Month.

Is your cat adopted from a shelter or a rescue? If so, tell us about them. We love to hear success stories! Feel free to share them below, or post them on our Facebook page.

In April, Fur Kids Foundation received a couple of questions about canine influenza, aka dog flu, so we shared a blog that Animal Medical Center of Wyoming posted, A Gillette Veterinarian talks about Canine Influenza, and told you that we’d keep an eye on it. And we have been.

According to a release issued by the South Dakota Animal Industry Board, multiple cases of dog flu have been reported by veterinarians in the Rapid City, SD area. South Dakota State Veterinarian Dr. Dustin Oedekoven says laboratory tests have confirmed this is the same strain of H3N2 canine influenza that has caused outbreaks in other parts of the U. S. earlier this year--canine influenza has not been known to cause illness in people.

Much like the flu in humans, dog flu is a contagious respiratory disease. According to the ASPCA, symptoms of dog flu include:• Fever • Coughing • Sneezing• Clear nasal discharge that progresses to thick, yellowish-green mucus• Rapid/difficult breathing• Loss of appetite• Lethargy

If your dog exhibits symptoms of the flu, please contact your vet and have them examined. According to the numerous sites we checked, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, dog flu is not highly fatal, but is easily and quickly spread among dogs by: • direct contact with an infected dog• by contact with contaminated objects

This means that dogs can be exposed to this virus at boarding and grooming facilities, parks and even pet stores. Dog owners whose dogs are coughing or showing any of the symptoms listed above should not expose their dog to other dogs. Clothing, equipment, surfaces, and hands should be cleaned and disinfected after exposure to dogs showing signs of respiratory disease.

Red Hills Veterinary Hospital in Gillette has let us know that they have not diagnosed or suspected any cases of dog flu in the area. While dog flu has not been confirmed in Campbell County, Wyoming, Fur Kids Foundation is encouraging dog owners who have visited Rapid City with their dogs recently, as well as any local pet-related business owners, to contact a local veterinarian to discuss dog flu. We are also advising, along with AMC, that dog owners AVOID TRAVEL with their dogs to the Rapid City area.

If you are concerned about dog flu Fur Kids Foundation does encourage you to consult your veterinarian.

Other sourcesCNN: Canine flu outbreak: How to keep dogs safeIGrow: Canine Influenza: What does it mean for dog owners and their plans?

Created in November 2011, the Fur Kids Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides education and aid to promote the well-being of animals in Campbell County.

Your donation saves lives. It goes to work helping animals in Campbell County receive adequate veterinary care during a time when their family may not be able to afford it. Please contact the Foundation to learn more or donate now using PayPal.

Author

The Fur Kids Foundation blog is written by board member and Founder Felicia. If you have ideas that you would like to see published in the blog such as concerns about pet-focused topics in the community or a funny story, please contact the Foundation. Enjoy!